1 . Ready to make a good choice for vacation days? Enter Tripadvisor Plus, a membership that the travel company launched. For $99 a year, this subscription service promises discounts and special services for you.
When you book travel through Tripadvisor Plus, members will see a full menu of savings and perks (额外待遇), with eligible properties marked by a Plus logo. Tripadvisor Plus members will save an average of $350 per stay. You’ll also receive a 10% discount on select experiences booked directly through its website. As for the perks, we’re not just talking about a few chocolates. Perks could mean spa services, or even a few meals on the house.
As you’re planning your trip, you can message with travel experts on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. They’ll respond, typically within one business day, with advice on hotels, top restaurants, and can’t-miss experiences.
The first year of your subscription also includes Hertz Five Star elite status, which offers benefits such as car rental upgrades and priority services while you’re hitting the road.
Right now, the members-only perks apply to 100,000 hotels and 400,000 experiences worldwide and these locations are based on where Americans travel most. While we plan to add properties in the future, if you’re dreaming of more off-the-beaten-path destinations, you might not get the most out of your membership.
You’ll receive a full refund of your $99-a-year fee if you cancel your subscription within the first 90 days. However, you can get that refund only if you haven’t already booked a hotel or experience through your membership. Also, keep in mind that your subscription will be automatically renewed each year.
1. What advantage can a Tripadvisor Plus member probably take?A.Discount on select experiences. | B.Free meals for the whole trip. |
C.Priority in five-star hotels. | D.Expert advice on off-the-beaten-path destinations. |
A.Travelers to America. | B.Americans planning for a trip. |
C.Property runners seeking to attract guests. | D.American travel agencies promoting routes. |
A.It is free of charge for the first year. | B.It can be cancelled unconditionally. |
C.It will be automatically renewed annually. | D.It should be confirmed within 90 days. |
2 . As the second largest city of the Republic of Korea, Busan draws global attention. Here are some routes for visitors to have fun.
The First RouteStart off at the Haeundae Beach, where you can take a walk, sip a coffee, or try local fishcakes before heading up to BUSAN X the SKY. This observatory occupies the top floors of the city’s highest structure, where you’l1 be attracted by the wonderful urban views. You can also visit the old Haedong Yonggunsa Temple along the route.
The Second RouteWith its popular Songdo Cable Car moving quickly over the water to a park, this route offers amazing views of the city’s traditional core. It’s just a quick taxi to the Yeongdo Island, home to some of Busan’s oldest neighborhoods, including the Huinnyeoul Culture Village. Overlooking the water, the whole picture that you can see is arguably the most romantic scene.
The Third RouteAs a port city, you should head to the old harbor district of Nampo-dong to find its real charm. This is where you’ll find the Jagalchi Market, the open-air seafood market that’s not only a strong wave to the senses but also the city’s living and beating heart. Walk along its gathering as you see fresh seafood from the sea, along with the vendors (摊贩) who sell it all.
The Fourth RouteShinsegae Centum City is not far from the Gwangalli Beach, a crowded area of sand,cafes, and eateries looking out across the water to the Gwangan Bridge. There will be a cool drone (无人机) show on Saturday in the evening of a hot summer and a fireworks festival in November. For a unique experience, book a sunset stand up paddle boarding (SUP) trip to the bridge back with professional surfers.
1. What do the first two routes have in common?A.They both have cool drone shows. |
B.They both have thrilling water parks. |
C.They both have historical attractions. |
D.They both have popular coffee stores. |
A.Its SUP trip above the water. | B.Its open and wide view. |
C.Its scenic walking hotspot. | D.Its impressive market. |
A.The Fourth Route. | B.The Second Route. |
C.The Third Route. | D.The First Route. |
3 . Whether you feel like taking a road trip, or you just need some fun, you’ll enjoy this list of popular tourist attractions.
Alabama: Gulf Coast Beaches
If Alabama wasn’t the location for your next summer beach vacation, you may want to reconsider. There are 32 miles of white sands that have washed down from the Appalachian Mountains for thousands of years. That’s probably why over six million people visit Alabama’s Gulf Coast beaches every year. Ten dollars per person.
Alaska: Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise
Alaska is the place to go for spotting breathtaking (令人惊叹的) wildlife. In fact, the number of visitors who travel to Alaska to see wildlife has increased 45 percent. The Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise will bring you up close to whales, sea lions, and sea birds. A five-hour trip that starts at noon and covers 55 miles of sea will be the best $98 you’ve ever spent.
Arkansas: Hot Springs National Park
Skip the beach and choose a new type of relaxation at Hot Springs National Park. It’s America’s oldest national and the smallest national park. There’s a no-booking policy, perfect for travelers rolling through. Doors open at 8 a.m., so get there early!
Connecticut: Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History is a must stop if you’re traveling nearby Yale University. It attracts plenty of people and has many collections including New England birds, dinosaurs, Greek and Roman antiquities, and even an Egyptian mummy. Adults pay $13 for entry, but if you want to visit for free, go on a Thursday.
Don’t miss the four best tourist attractions.1. Why do many people go to Alabama’s Gulf Coast beaches?
A.It has a good and convenient location. | B.It has a history of thousands of years. |
C.It has tens of miles of white sands. | D.The Appalachian Mountains are beautiful. |
A.Five hours before it opens. | B.Five hours after it opens. |
C.Before 8 a.m. | D.Before twelve o’clock at noon. |
A.Many people go there to see collections. | B.You needn’t pay for it on certain days. |
C.It makes you not want to leave. | D.It’s very beautiful and attractive. |
4 . Located at the western end of the Himalayas and the northern tip of Pakistan, the region of Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the world’s most inaccessible natural places. It also has “an extraordinarily rich cultural landscape”, says Sam Dalrymple in Condé Nast Traveller, having often resisted conquest (征服) by neighbouring empires, while absorbing their influence over the thousands of years along with the other benefits of Silk Road trade. Known to ancient Chinese geographers as the Xizang of the Apricots, it is a splendid land of snow leopards and brown bears. It is dotted with old palaces and ancient temples. It has often been closed to outsiders in recent decades, but it is now open to visitors once more.
Many locals claim that their inclusive and open society of this region inspired the lost city of Shangri-La in James Hilton’s popular 1933 novel Lost Horizon. The district of Hunza, for instance, is the best in education in Pakistan, with a relatively high level of women’s empowerment. Indeed an all-female team of woodworkers and designers helped restore the Serena Altit Fort Residence, a 1, 000-year-old building that is one of three beautiful palace hotels that belong to the Serena group in Gilgit-Baltistan. It overlooks the old walled city of Karimabad, Hunza’s capital, in a beautiful valley where the fresh air is combined with the flavor of jasmine blossom (茉莉花) and most new houses are still built in the traditional, wooden-framed style.
Driving southwards past the city of Gilgit, you entered into the Indus Gorge and the green valleys give way to an “dry moonscape”. To the east lies Baltistan, a rough region where there are few smooth roads and an ancient language of Tibetan is spoken and yak (牦牛) meat is widely served. It is here that Serena’s other two palace hotels are to be found, in Khaplu and Shigar, not far from K2, the world’s second-highest peak.
1. Which aspect of Gilgit-Baltistan is unmentioned in Paragraph 1?A.History. | B.Location. | C.Industry. | D.Landscape. |
A.To promote the book. | B.To prove an old legend. |
C.To offer more background. | D.To express a sense of pride. |
A.It seldom rains. | B.It is green everywhere. |
C.It features smooth roads. | D.It is to the north of Gilgit. |
A.Sports. | B.Travel. | C.Science. | D.History. |
5 . If you’re in search of some botanical inspiration for the summer, just look to the following!
Sky Garden — London
Situated on the 35th floor of the iconic “Walkie-Talkie” building in central London, this stunning garden consists of over three stories, combining Mediterranean and South African plantings. The garden temperature here is monitored around the clock to mirror the conditions these plants would experience in a warm temperate climate.
Bambalan — Bristol
Bristol’s Bambalan restaurant appeared in 2016. Known for its leisurely atmosphere, it’s located right in the middle of the city centre. Hidden in plain sight above Bristol’s busy and noisy city centre, the roof terrace is a true hidden garden. With Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food on the menu, this is the ideal place to bring a group, and enjoy the views and tasty treats.
Library of Birmingham — Birmingham
Hidden away on the seventh floor of Birmingham’s public library is a scenic rooftop garden offering an extremely quiet spot to enjoy a good book in the sun. Created entirely by volunteers and reached via glass elevator, the bright garden offers visitors spectacular views over the city. 3, 500 varieties of plants in this garden have been carefully selected to ensure the terrace will offer blooms all year round, so that visitors to this unique library can enjoy the inspiring views.
New Lanark Roof Garden — New Lanark
With impressive views from the roof of an old mill (磨坊) building in the heart of the New Lanark World Heritage Site, this garden isn’t one to miss. Created on the 9, 000 square feet roof of our historic mill, the New Lanark Roof Garden is the largest of its kind in Scotland. Imaginatively designed, the garden contains decorative planting with over 70 different plants and shrubs, a water feature and animal sculptures.
1. What can you do in Bambalan?A.Make special flower gifts. | B.Buy beautiful jewels. |
C.Walk in the countryside. | D.Enjoy tasty food. |
A.Sky Garden. | B.Bambalan. |
C.Library of Birmingham. | D.New Lanark Roof Garden. |
A.Plants. | B.Food. | C.Books. | D.Animals. |
1. What does the speaker most probably do?
A.She is a tour guide. |
B.She is a teacher. |
C.She is an organizer of the exhibition. |
A.£2. | B.£3. | C.£5. |
A.At 8:40 am. | B.At 8:50 am. | C.At 9:10 am. |
A.When the castle was built. |
B.What ancient people wore. |
C.How the cars were invented. |
1. What’s Alva’s attitude towards Colin’s writing the book?
A.Doubtful. | B.Uninterested. | C.Admirable. |
A.She dislikes taking pictures. |
B.She has just moved to New York. |
C.She has adapted to New York customs. |
A.Hide her right hand. | B.Look at a high building. | C.Adopt a proper pose. |
A.In August. | B.In September. | C.In October. |
8 . The Best Hidden Beaches in the UK
Nanjizal Beach, Cornwall
Due to its remote location, stunning Nanjizal Beach is usually very quiet. You can reach it by walking along a pretty coastal path from Porthgwarra. The beach has caves to explore and an old watermill to see. It takes about 30 minutes to walk there from Porthgwarra, but it's worth it. The water is shallow and turquoise (蓝绿色的), perfect for a swim. You can bring your dog too because dogs are welcome here all year round.
Rhu Point, Scotland
Rhu Point in Scotland has beautiful white sand and blue water. It’s an isolated beach that you can get to by walking. If the weather is good, you can see great views of the Cuillin on Skye. There are rock pools to look in, and you can find shells on the shore. Keep an eye out for birds and marine animals like sea otters. It’s a lovely place to go for a holiday.
Steephill Cove, Isle of Wight
Steephill Cove on the Isle of Wight is a cute little fishing cove. You can get there by taking a ferry. It has colorful beach huts and sandy beaches. You can watch fishermen and explore rock pools. There are also nice walks nearby with beautiful views. If you walk to Ventnor, you’ll find shops and restaurants. It’s a nice place for a family holiday.
Bamburgh Beach, Northumbria
Bamburgh Beach in Northumbria is famous for its big castle. The beach is long and sandy, perfect for walks and playing in the sand. It’s also good for surfing if you like that. You can see rare birds and seals there. There are also rock pools and sand dunes to explore. It's a nice place to visit if you like nature and history.
1. What do Nanjizal Beach and Rhu Point have in common?A.Both are dog-friendly. | B.Both are located in remote areas. |
C.Both feature beautiful white water. | D.Both have numerous caves to explore. |
A.Nanjizal Beach. | B.Rhu Point. |
C.Bamburgh Beach. | D.Steephill Cove. |
A.It is suitable for walks. | B.It is accessible only by ferry. |
C.It has a large building to explore. | D.It offers rock pools to appreciate. |
Dunhuang, an oasis (绿洲) in the Taklamakan Desert, used to be a major stop along the Silk Road, but is now mainly a fascinating tourist destination.
Those interested
Also, there are few things as special as walking across the desert oasis at sunrise.
No trip to Dunhuang is complete without visiting the Dunhuang Museum,
10 . The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World
Library of Strahov Monastery (Prague, Czech Republic)
The oldest part of the Library of Strahov Monastery, the Baroque Theological Hall, was established between 1671 and 1674, making the establishment one of the oldest and best preserved historical libraries in the world. Over 200,000 volumes are collected here, with many, of the texts printed between 1501 and 1800.
Old Library of Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland)
Old Library of Trinity College was founded in 1592. Appropriately named the Long Room, this space is located within the Old Library at Trinity College. Previously, the room’s ceiling was flat and only shelved books on the lower level. However, the college was granted a free copy of every book published in Britain and Ireland, requiring the expansion of the cavernous space.
Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
In 1837, a group of 43 Portuguese immigrants and political refugees established the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading to promote their culture in what was the Empire of Brazil. The library was designed by architect Rafael da Silva e Castro in a neo-Gothic style and was inspired by the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon.
Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine (Paris, France)
The library at the Cite de l’architecture et du patrimoine opened its doors in September 2007. It’s a must visit for any architecture lover. Not only because of the amazing location in a Romanesque (罗马式的) sistine, but also because its entire collection is dedicated to works about architecture, and landscaping. The library also houses the largest collection of preserved romanesque wall paintings in France.
1. Which library has the longest history?A.Old Library of Trinity College. |
B.Library of Strahov Monastery. |
C.Cite de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine. |
D.Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading. |
A.To remember a famous designer. | B.To accommodate poor Portuguese. |
C.To spread Portuguese culture. | D.To preserve historical documents. |
A.Library of Strahov Monastery. |
B.Old Library of Trinity College. |
C.Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading. |
D.Cite de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine. |